How to Repair Cracked Ceiling Paint

Paint sometimes becomes brittle over time, especially amid changes in temperature and humidity.

The discovery may inspire puzzlement, surprise and even fear: cracked ceiling paint that may be flaking in spots, too. But fear not, because the eyesore truly looks worse than it is. Grab the leftover ceiling paint you have on hand and get ready to show everyone just how resourceful you are by restoring your ceiling to one uniform and smooth-looking surface in just a few simple steps.

1

Place a drop cloth or carpet protection film underneath the ceiling area you wish to repair. Some crumbling paint is bound to fall to the floor as you work.

2

Scrape the cracked or crumbling paint with a paint scraper. Work around the edges in particular to create a smooth surface.

3

Run your hand over the area to feel for smoothness. Sand any bumps or imperfections with medium-grit sandpaper.

4

Inspect the area carefully. Proceed with cleaning the area unless you notice cracks in the ceiling, which may have caused the paint to flake. Fill these ceiling cracks with spackling compound, using a putty knife to push the compound into the fissures. Sand the compound after it dries completely.

5

Mix a 50-50 solution of mild dish soap and water in a bucket. Wash the area with a soft sponge. Let the ceiling dry completely before continuing.

6

Spot-prime the area with a primer that suits the paint that is already on the ceiling. If you used an oil-based paint, use a paint brush to apply an oil-based primer; if you used a latex-based paint, use a latex-based primer. The primer will help the paint adhere to the ceiling.

7

Stir your leftover ceiling paint with a wooden stick. It may be thick and unwieldy at first, but with repeated motion it should loosen up.

8

Apply two coats of paint with a paintbrush to cover the ceiling area, letting the paint dry thoroughly between coats.

Things You Will Need

Drop cloth or carpet protection film

Paint scraper

Sandpaper

Spackling compound

Putty knife

Mild dish soap

Bucket

Soft sponge

Primer

Paintbrush

Paint

Tip

Paint cracks for several reasons, and some are within your control. Paint can crack when: the surface is not adequately prepared; paint of an inferior quality is used; latex paint is applied over oil-based paint; the paint was applied too thin; and additional coats are applied before previous coats are allowed to dry.

Besides providing an airy look to most rooms, “ceiling white” is ubiquitous because it makes it easier for homeowners to make repairs just like this one.

About the Author

With education, health care and small business marketing as her core interests, M.T. Wroblewski has penned pieces for Woman's Day, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal and many newspapers and magazines. She holds a master's degree in journalism from Northern Illinois University.